A PILOT has died after a microlight glider crash.

Dozens of firefighters from across Essex and Suffolk rushed to the scene near Bells Road, Belchamp Walter at 11.52am today.

Crews from Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and Manningtree were joined by colleagues from Suffolk to put out the flames.

Paramedics and police joined their emergency service colleagues but the pilot, aged in his 50s, tragically could not be saved.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a light aircraft in distress at Belchamp Walter.

"Officers attended and, sadly, a man aged in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed.

"We will be maintaining a presence at the scene over the coming days to assist the Air Accidents Investigation Branch in their enquiries."

A report from Halstead Fire Station stated: "We were called to a small aircraft that had crash landed.

"The aircraft was a Microlight Glider.

"Sadly one person died at the scene, our thoughts are with their family and friends."

Firefighters were called to assist at the scene and reported on arrival that the aircraft, which landed in an arable field, was alight.

The fire was extinguished by 12.49pm.

An investigation will be carried out to find out what went wrong and an inquest will also be opened.